The New Orleans Pelicans have taken a transparent stance because the NBA commerce deadline on Feb. 5 nears. Sources say the membership plans to maintain Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears quite than store them round for trades. Groups across the league are being instructed these gamers will stay with New Orleans past the deadline.
New Orleans sits 8–31, the second-worst report within the NBA, and has struggled to seek out constant success this season. But the group seems dedicated to its present core quite than breaking it up in mid-season offers.
Zion Nonetheless Central Regardless of Rumors
Regardless of persistent commerce chatter, Zion Williamson is staying put. The 2-time All-Star has handled accidents once more this season, lacking time with a hip adductor pressure and a hamstring difficulty. When accessible, he’s been productive, averaging 22.4 factors, 5.9 rebounds and three.4 assists on 56.2 % capturing.
Williamson’s contract runs by means of 2028, giving New Orleans management in future seasons. That monetary safety makes him a constructing block even amid a disappointing marketing campaign.
Zion steers baseline and muscle tissues his approach by means of the contact 💪
Williamson tallies 20 PTS within the first half because the Pels sit inside placing distance!
Faucet to look at the 2nd half: https://t.co/Rul4TIG0hh pic.twitter.com/MS7743Bh0j
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2026
Murphy, Queen and Fears Locked In
Trey Murphy III is without doubt one of the league’s best two-way forwards, averaging over 21 factors and 6 rebounds with elite capturing splits this season. That output helped generate commerce curiosity in previous off-seasons, however New Orleans isn’t entertaining critical offers now.
Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears additionally stay a part of the staff’s long-term image. Queen has posted a number of double-figure scoring nights and seems poised to develop right into a key piece. Fears has proven scoring and playmaking potential, including depth at guard.
Herb Jones, recognized for his protection, can be off the desk. The Pelicans not too long ago prolonged his contract, locking him in by means of the late 2020s.
No Main Turnover Forward
Whereas different rotation gamers like Jose Alvarado or Saddiq Bey may nonetheless change surroundings, New Orleans appears able to hold its high names. The choice to carry the core indicators a perception in progress over promoting property for a fast reset.
With chemistry and participant growth now priorities, the Pelicans hope continuity pays off as they head into the commerce deadline and past.
